Coldstream Guards get ready for their big day

The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards has been chosen to Troop the Colour at this year's Queen's birthday parade on June 9.

It is quite a challenge and on Wednesday a full rehearsal was held at their home at Victoria Barracks in Sheet Street.

The barracks' parade ground stood in for Horse Guards Parade as the soldiers who will be on duty on the great day practised the hundreds of precision ceremonial drill moves they will have to get right.

Their commanding officer Major General Ben Bathurst stood in for the Queen, as the young men's uniforms, presentation and drill skills were minutely inspected.

Any flaws will be addressed and corrected in coming weeks - before the birthday parade which is broadcast round the world.

On the big day itself the Coldstream Guards will be joined by elements of the Grenadier, Scots and Irish Guards and by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The Coldstream Guards are the oldest regiment in the British army, having been in unbroken service since 1650.

They were instrumental through their founder General George Monck in the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and have served it ever since.

They have recently served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

After the Trooping of the Colour the Regiment will leave for Malaysia for an operational training exercise with the army there - only the second time this has happened.

The Welsh Guards Band attended Wednesday's rehearsal in Windsor and was inspected immediately before the Coldstream Guards. The band remained on parade to provide musical accompaniment conducted by Captain Bethan Waters - the first woman to hold the role of Aide de Camp to the Major General commanding the Household Division.

The eyes of the world will be on the Coldstream Guards in June and they will be ready.

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